LANSING, Mich., Oct. 20. 2023 — On Thursday, the House Insurance and Financial Services Committee learned that the Senate passed Senate Bills 530,  531 and 575 affecting auto no-fault insurance medical provider reimbursement rates. The legislation, which could make its way to the House committee next week, is intended to improve access to care for Michigan accident victims.

“We’re on a mission to get auto no-fault right and to continue the work we’ve started to reform auto no-fault in our state,” said state Rep. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac), chair of the committee. “We owe it to every Michigander on the road to continue looking for ways to make the system better. Access to care is important and must be balanced with the cost of insurance to every Michigan driver.”

Since Sept. 28, Carter has carved out time in each committee meeting to hear presentations on various aspects of Michigan’s auto no-fault law. She will continue her thorough and comprehensive process to ensure that medical needs and the needs for Michigan drivers are balanced.

“We can’t afford to get this wrong again. I am deeply committed to making sure we hear from a variety of stakeholders on all sides. Auto no-fault reform is a very complex issue with a number of nuances. We’re doing our due diligence as a committee to seek long-term solutions that will ultimately make our auto insurance system more sustainable. We don’t want to end up back at the drawing board every couple of years,” Carter said.

For Carter, the issue of getting auto no-fault reform right is personal. She spoke recently about losing her brother and nephew to a tragic car accident. Insurance was too costly, coupled with an old car that was in poor condition, Carter recalls, reflecting on her loss.

Tragedy would visit Carter again; this time, the mother and step-mother lost two sons in separate motorcycle accidents.

“I lost my stepson Christopher and my only son Bryan to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) suffered in separate motorcycle accidents. I’ve had discussions about the quality of life facing TBI survivors and caregivers, and I’ve faced the decision-making for the end of life for my own family. When I tell you I want to get this right — it’s in part because I’ve been on the other side, and I know the type of losses one can suffer,” Carter continued.

Carter finished by reiterating that the fact-finding process currently underway in committee will continue.

Please visit the House committee schedule for up-to-date information, including live streams of meetings.